“Julia, Gina and the whole of the TOG Team are deeply saddened to hear of Claire’s passing in August 2024. Following a horse riding accident in 2007 that left her paralyzed, Claire became a champion for those in a similar situation to herself, determined to prove that having a disability doesn’t mean you can’t live your life to the fullest. We were proud to welcome her to the team as an Ambassador for Access TOG and know that she has inspired so many people to get outdoors and do things they perhaps hadn’t thought possible before. She leaves behind an extraordinary legacy. Our thoughts are with Claire’s family and friends at this time.”
Claire Lomas, MBE is a sportswoman, public speaker and disability advocate who has spent her time since her accident proving that just because you are living with a disability doesn’t mean you cannot live as fully as able-bodied people.
She was injured in a freak horse-riding accident, which left her paralysed from the chest down. She went from being a busy sportswoman, to someone who couldn’t even feel her feet – but she was determined not to let this break her.
Claire made headlines in 2012 as the first person to complete a marathon in a robotic suit. It took her 17 days. Next, she took on the Great North Run whilst 16 weeks pregnant, which took her 5 days.
Her mission is to raise money to cure paralysis, so far she’s raised over 800k, but her sights are now set on the lofty goal of £1 million.
Claire is available for public speaking engagements, you can find out more about this on her website.
Every now and then there may be an opportunity arise but you think “there is no way I can do that!”
I am sharing this with you because the best things often happen when we persuade ourselves to leave the comfort zone, and the more we do it, the easier it becomes, like anything …
This week is National Inclusion Week and it has made me think about the many opportunities I have had over the past years …
Over the past few weeks, teenagers have been receiving their exam grades, and it has made me look back to what I was like as a child, what my goals were …
Not many weeks after my life changing accident, I was reluctantly in a mobility aid shop trying to choose my own wheelchair …
We can and will achieve so much more if we believe in ourselves. I know that two-thirds of my body being paralysed is less limiting than a negative mindset full of self doubt …
This year, I published my second book ‘The Bigger Picture’. I decided to name it this for a number of reasons, but one was because of the mental struggles …
During those early days after my life changing accident, I remember mum suggesting that I should get outside for some fresh air …
I am delighted to be part of ‘The Outdoor Guide’ team knowing first-hand the enormous benefits that being outside and exercising can do …
Throughout 2022, I will be writing blogs, sharing some of my adventures and any challenges I face. I guess the best way to start would be by giving you an insight to my life- and how it changed …
Just WOW! Claire is truly impressive and inspiring, an authentic and natural speaker too, and she brought home so many key messages that we’re certain will stick with our team for a very long time. Thank you.
We invited Claire to be one of our guest speakers at a virtual away day in December. Not only was Claire a pleasure to deal with but her talk was absolutely brilliant. It was definitely the highlight of the entire day. Her story is truly inspirational and we were left in awe of everything she has achieved. It even brought some of our audience to tears. I would encourage everyone to book Claire for their next event.
Claire has been our keynote speaker for 2 events in 2020 and 2021, her sessions have been extremely popular with our delegates and the feedback we received has been fantastic. Claire’s story although heart breaking at times is a truly awe inspiring and motivational one- told with Claire’s sense of humour makes for an excellent session for any event. Thank you Claire!
Claire has done a number of team presentations for me over the years- until recently they were all in person. However, this week she spoke at a session in my leadership team virtually. I have to say it was as inspirational and high impact as always. Claire’s story and achievements are amazing and she is so approachable and easy for the team to talk to. I would highly recommend her as a speaker if you want to motivate and energise your team through these uncertain and challenging times!
Claire spoke to my global legal, risk and compliance team in October 2020. Since all 100 of us are working remotely, Claire also joined us remotely and spoke with us for an hour. And what an hour it was! Full of inspiration, motivation and a fascinating life story and view on the ups and downs of life. Claire was warm, funny, moving and inspiring in equal measure. She kept us spell bound all the way through. If you are looking for a speaker, I recommend Claire.
Claire Lomas
Motivational / Inspirational speaker
Claire speaks about the split second that changed her life, and candidly describes the darkest times. This is combined with humour which has helped Claire get through some embarrassing moments that her injury has caused. The audience go through the extreme roller-coaster of emotions with Claire; they cry, they laugh and they admire. She demonstrates the robotic suit, and you could hear a pin drop as everyone is fascinated by the pioneering technology.
As Claire walks across the room, people are in awe that she managed 26.2 miles in the streets of London when she can’t even feel the ground beneath her. Claire talks about the gradual process of turning her situation around, and surprisingly how the five best days of her life have all been after her devastating injury. She describes the turning point which was when she stopped thinking of everything she could no longer do, and instead the many things she could still do. Claire challenges her audience to raise their sights, make their own luck by taking opportunities and be the best they can be.
People leave the room believing in themselves, inspired and hugely motivated. When faced with challenges in their own lives, Claire’s words stick in their mind, “Whether you believe you can or whether you believe you can’t – you are right”.
Claire can adapt her talks with specific references and images on request. FOR ALL SPEAKING ENQUIRIES AND FEES PLEASE EMAIL claireschallenge@mail.com